Octavia A. Dobre

Higher-order cyclic cumulants for high order modulation classification

In this paper we investigate automatic modulation classification (AMC) using homogeneous feature-vectors based on cyclic cumulants (CCs) of fourth-, sixth- and eight-orders, respectively, for QAM, PSK and ASK signals within a pattern recognition framework. Analysis of CCs of the baseband signal at the receiver is performed and used for feature selection. The cycle spectrum of the baseband signal at the receiver is derived as a function of excess bandwidth for a raised cosine pulse shape and a necessary and sufficient condition on the oversampling factor is obtained. Theoretical arguments regarding the discrimination capability of the examined feature-vectors are verified through extensive simulations.

On the likelihood-based approach to modulation classification

In this paper, likelihood-based algorithms are explored for linear digital modulation classification. Hybrid likelihood ratio test (HLRT)- and quasi HLRT (QHLRT)- based algorithms are examined, with signal amplitude, phase, and noise power as unknown parameters. The algorithm complexity is first investigated, and findings show that the HLRT suffers from very high complexity, whereas the QHLRT provides a reasonable solution. An upper bound on the performance of QHLRT-based algorithms, which employ unbiased and normally distributed non-data aided estimates of the unknown parameters, is proposed. This is referred to as the QHLRT-Upper Bound (QHLRT-UB). Classification of binary phase shift keying (BPSK) and quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) signals is presented as a case study. The Cramer-Rao Lower Bounds (CRBs) of non-data aided joint estimates of signal amplitude and phase, and noise power are derived for BPSK and QPSK signals, and further employed to obtain the QHLRT-UB. An upper bound on classification performance of any likelihood-based algorithms is also introduced. Method-of-moments (MoM) estimates of the unknown parameters are investigated and used to develop the QHLRT-based algorithm. Classification performance of this algorithm is compared with the upper bounds, as well as with the quasi Log-Likelihood Ratio (qLLR) and fourth-order cumulant based algorithms.

Blind modulation classification: a concept whose time has come

We address the problem of identifying the modulation format of an incoming signal. We review many existing techniques for digital modulation recognition in a systematic way, which helps the reader to see the main features of each technique. The goal is to provide useful guidelines for choosing appropriate classification algorithms for different modulations, from the large pool of available techniques. Furthermore, the performance of a benchmark classifier is presented, as well as its sensitivity to several model mismatches. Open problems and possible directions for further research are briefly discussed

Robust QAM modulation classification algorithm using cyclic cumulants

In this paper we develop an algorithm based on higher-order cyclic cumulants for the automatic recognition of QAM signals. The method is robust to the presence of carrier phase and frequency offsets. Theoretical arguments are verified with simulations performed for 4-QAM and 16-QAM signals.

Modulation classification in fading channels using antenna arrays

Blind modulation classification (MC) is an intermediate step between signal detection and demodulation, and plays a key role in various civilian and military applications. In this paper, first we provide an overview of decision-theoretic MC approaches. Then we derive the average likelihood ratio (ALR) based classifier for linear and nonlinear modulations, in noisy channels with unknown carrier phase, offset and also in Rayleigh fading channels. Since these ALR-based classifiers are complex to implement, we then develop a quasi hybrid likelihood ratio (QHLR) based classifier, where the unknown parameters are estimated using low-complexity techniques. This QHLR-based classifier is much simpler to implement and is also applicable to any fading distribution, including Rayleigh and Rice. Afterwards, we propose a generic multi-antenna classifier for linear and nonlinear modulations, using an antenna array at the receiver. This classifier has the potential to improve the performance of traditional single-antenna classifiers, including the proposed QHLR-based algorithm, via spatial diversity. Simulation results are provided to show the performance enhancement offered by the new QHLR-based multi-antenna classifier, in a variety of channel and fading conditions.

Power-Domain Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) in 5G Systems: Potentials and Challenges

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is one of the promising radio access techniques for performance enhancement in next-generation cellular communications. Compared to orthogonal frequency division multiple access, which is a well-known high-capacity orthogonal multiple access technique, NOMA offers a set of desirable benefits, including greater spectrum efficiency. There are different types of NOMA techniques, including power-domain and code-domain. This paper primarily focuses on power-domain NOMA that utilizes superposition coding at the transmitter and successive interference cancellation at the receiver. Various researchers have demonstrated that NOMA can be used effectively to meet both network-level and user-experienced data rate requirements of fifth-generation (5G) technologies. From that perspective, this paper comprehensively surveys the recent progress of NOMA in 5G systems, reviewing the state-of-the-art capacity analysis, power allocation strategies, user fairness, and user-pairing schemes in NOMA. In addition, this paper discusses how NOMA performs when it is integrated with various proven wireless communications techniques, such as cooperative communications, multiple-input multiple-output, beamforming, space–time coding, and network coding among others. Furthermore, this paper discusses several important issues on NOMA implementation and provides some avenues for future research.

Second-Order Cyclostationarity of Mobile WiMAX and LTE OFDM Signals and Application to Spectrum Awareness in Cognitive Radio Systems

Spectrum sensing and awareness are challenging requirements in cognitive radio (CR). To adequately adapt to the changing radio environment, it is necessary for the CR to detect the presence and classify the on-the-air signals. The wireless industry has shown great interest in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technology. Hence, classification of OFDM signals has been intensively researched recently. Generic signals have been mainly considered, and there is a need to investigate OFDM standard signals, and their specific discriminating features for classification. In this paper, realistic and comprehensive mathematical models of the OFDM-based mobile Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) and third-Generation Partnership Project Long Term Evolution (3GPP LTE) signals are developed, and their second-order cyclostationarity is studied. Closed-from expressions for the cyclic autocorrelation function (CAF) and cycle frequencies (CFs) of both signal types are derived, based on which an algorithm is proposed for their classification. The proposed algorithm does not require carrier, waveform, and symbol timing recovery, and is immune to phase, frequency, and timing offsets. The classification performance of the algorithm is investigated versus signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), for diverse observation intervals and channel conditions. In addition, the computational complexity is explored versus the signal type. Simulation results show the efficiency of the algorithm is terms of classification performance, and the complexity study proves the real time applicability of the algorithm.

On the Cyclostationarity of OFDM and Single Carrier Linearly Digitally Modulated Signals in Time Dispersive Channels: Theoretical Developments and Application

Previous studies on the cyclostationarity aspect of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and single carrier linearly digitally modulated (SCLD) signals assumed simplified signal and channel models or considered only second-order cyclostationarity. This paper presents new results concerning the cyclostationarity of these signals under more general conditions, including time dispersive channels, additive Gaussian noise, and carrier phase, frequency, and timing offsets. Analytical closed-form expressions are derived for time- and frequency-domain parameters of the cyclostationarity of OFDM and SCLD signals. In addition, a condition to eliminate aliasing in the cycle and spectral frequency domains is derived. Based on these results, an algorithm is developed for recognizing OFDM versus SCLD signals. This algorithm obviates the need for commonly required signal preprocessing tasks, such as signal and noise power estimation and the recovery of symbol timing and carrier information.

Cyclostationarity-Based Modulation Classification of Linear Digital Modulations in Flat Fading Channels

Modulation classification is an intermediate step between signal detection and demodulation, and plays a key role in various civilian and military applications. In this correspondence, higher-order cyclic cumulants (CCs) are explored to discriminate linear digital modulations in flat fading channels. Single- and multi-antenna CC-based classifiers are investigated. These benefit from the robustness of the CC-based features to unknown phase and timing offset. Furthermore, the latter provides significant performance improvement due to spatial diversity used to combat the fading effect. Classifier performances are investigated under a variety of channel conditions. In addition, analytical closed-form expressions for the cyclic cumulant polyspectra of linearly digitally modulated signals affected by fading, carrier frequency and timing offsets, and additive Gaussian noise are derived, along with a condition for the oversampling factor to avoid aliasing in the cycle and spectral frequency domains.

Radio Resource Allocation Techniques for Efficient Spectrum Access in Cognitive Radio Networks

This paper provides an overview of cognitive radio (CR) networks, with focus on the recent advances in resource allocation techniques and the CR networks architectural design. The contribution of this work is threefold. First, a systematic way to study the resource allocation problem is presented; various design approaches are introduced, such as signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR) or transmission power-based, and centralized or distributed methods. Second, CR optimization methods are presented, accompanied by a comprehensive study of the resource allocation problem formulations. Furthermore, quality of service criteria of the physical or/and the medium access control layers are investigated. Third, challenges in spectrum assignment are discussed, focusing on dynamic spectrum allocation, spectrum aggregation and frequency mobility. Such approaches constitute an emerging trend in efficient spectrum sharing and affect the performance of resource allocation techniques. The open issues for future research in this area are finally discussed, including adaptability-reconfigurability, dual accessibility, and energy efficiency.